LITTLER BOOM BRINGS DARTS DRAMA TO EMMERDALE

LUKE LITTLER has sparked a brand-new storyline in hit British soap EMMERDALE.

Bosses of the ITV hit series have introduced a women’s darts team at the famous village pub after the “Littler effect” sparked a huge surge in the sport’s popularity. 

A group of female villagers decide to form their own side and bring some much-needed buzz back to The Woolpack. 

Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick), Mary Goskirk (Louise Jameson) and Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker) are the founding members hoping to hit the big scores. 

The trio are joined by the formidable Claudette Anderson (Flo Wilson), whose “acerbic wit and deadly throw” makes her an instant asset. 

The storyline reflects a real-life trend sweeping through Yorkshire, with more women picking up the arrows and local pubs using teams to bring punters back through the doors. 

Producer Sophie Roper told the Daily Star: “We had heard local darts teams, particularly those made up of women, were springing up across Yorkshire. 

“It felt right that the ladies of Emmerdale would mirror this by setting up their own pub darts team. With fewer people heading out mid-week, many rural pubs are finding times tough.

“These teams, much like pub quizzes, are a fantastic way of encouraging people back in to socialise face-to-face and the Woolpack like other village pubs is a vital rural community hub.” 

World No. 1 Littler has taken darts to new heights, becoming the youngest world champion in history at just 17 years and 347 days old last year. 

“The Nuke” then successfully defended his crown this season, becoming only the fourth player ever to retain the Sid Waddell Trophy. 

Littler has already racked up a staggering 12 major titles, the third most of all time, and was crowned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year winner back in 2024.

Image by Taylor Lanning.